Norwood is fortunate to be situated under some of the darkest, starriest skies of any place around the world. But did you know that light pollution can have serious environmental consequences for humans, wildlife, and our climate? This is why Norwood became a designated International Dark-Sky Association Dark Sky Community, to help protect the night sky over Wright’s Mesa.
What Is Light Pollution?
Light pollution is a side effect of industrial civilization, which spurs from an inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light. Its sources include light that emanates from buildings (exterior and interior), advertising and signage, commercial properties, offices, factories, streetlights, and illuminated sporting venues.
The majority of outdoor lighting we use at night is inefficient, overly bright, poorly targeted, improperly shielded, and, in many cases, completely unnecessary. This light (and the electricity used to create it) is being wasted by spilling it into the sky, instead of focusing it on the objects and areas people want illuminated.
According to the International Dark Sky Association, components of light pollution include:
- Glare – which is excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort.
- Skyglow – the brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas.
- Light Trespass – light falling where it is not intended or needed.
- Clutter – bright, confusing and excessive groupings of light sources
The Effects Of Light Pollution Is A Global Issue
Artificial lights overpower the darkness and our cities glow at night, disrupting the natural day-night pattern and shifting the delicate balance of our environment. The negative effects of the loss of this inspirational natural resource might seem intangible, but evidence is beginning to show that the brightening of the night sky disrupts the ecosystem and wildlife and has measurable negative impacts on human health.
Humans evolved to the rhythms of the natural light-dark cycle of day and night. The spread of artificial lighting means most of us no longer experience truly dark nights. Research suggests that artificial light at night can negatively affect human health, increasing risks for obesity, depression, sleep disorders, diabetes, breast cancer and more.
Up until recent centuries, life on Earth existed in a rhythm of light and dark that was created solely by the illumination of the Sun, Moon and stars. It’s encoded in the DNA of all plants and animals. Humans have radically disrupted this cycle by lighting up the night. Plants and animals depend on Earth’s daily cycle of light and dark rhythm to govern life-sustaining behaviors such as reproduction, nourishment, sleep and protection from predators. Scientific evidence suggests that artificial light at night has negative and deadly effects on many creatures including amphibians, birds, mammals, insects and plants.
Here Are Five Ways You Can Help Reduce Light Pollution on Wright’s Mesa
1. Turn off your lights!
The most obvious solution to help reduce light pollution just happens to be the easiest and most obvious. Simply turn off your lights! Many of us use porch lights, spot lights, or even street lamps because it gives us a sense of security. But, did you know there’s little data to support the idea that outdoor lighting helps reduce crime? Turn on lights when you need them, turn them off when you don’t. Not only does this help reduce light pollution around your home and your community, but it also helps reduce your impact on the environment as well as your carbon emissions. Turning your lights off also helps reduce your energy bill. Win, win! Still worried about the safety of your home? Let’s move on to number 2!
2. Install motion detector lights and timers
Lighting on demand and timers trumps a manual switch and day (or night)! Many people choose to use timers to help them remember to turn off their lights, as well as to help protect their home while they’re away. Motion detectors, which come in a variety of forms including night lights, hallway lighting, porch and spot lights, allow lights to remain off until movement is detected after dark. Timers and motion detectors are an inexpensive way to help reduce your energy bill and help protect your home.
3. Save money and replace conventional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient warm LED lights
While installing energy-efficient lighting won’t help keep all that stray light from bouncing around, it will definitely help reduce light pollution while lowering your electric bill. The trick is to steer away from blue light and install warm LED lights and if possible, dimming switches, as well as lighting that aims downward, fixtures over lights that reduce glare, and again, don’t forget to turn off your lights. Additionally, to help you save on your monthly bill, you can look into installing solar powered lighting to replace high-energy area lighting. Solar powered lighting is inexpensive and practically free to operate.
4. Only use lighting when and where it’s needed
The premise is simple, whether in your house, outside, at work, in your car, camping, etc…use only the light you need. Use timers and motion detectors to ensure light is available when needed. Dim light when possible, and if the light isn’t necessary, turn it off.
5. Tell your friends, family, and neighbors about light pollution
Is there an extra bright street lamp glaring through your bedroom window? Petition your local government to invest in down lighting. Have a neighbor who’s porch light or security light shines bright throughout the night? Here are some tips on asking them to consider replacing the light that stays on all night by installing a motion detector. Many cities and towns like Norwood have passed ordinances in order to control light pollution and help save their night sky, as well as help reduce their carbon footprint. Norwood’s lighting ordinance follows the International Dark-Sky Association Dark Sky Community Model for Lighting Zone 1.
Education is key when it comes to making changes. Spread the word to your family and friends and tell them to pass it on, and don’t forget to educate your children on the importance of turning off their lights. Many people either don’t know or don’t understand a lot when it comes to the effects of light pollution and the negative impacts of artificial light at night. By being an ambassador and explaining the issues to others you will help bring awareness to this growing problem and inspire more people to take the necessary steps to protect our natural night sky.
It’s hard to believe that nearly 80% of the world’s population can’t see the Milky Way. Here on Wright’s Mesa, it starts with each of us to do what we can to protect our precious night sky. And it’s up to all of us around the world to work together to ensure that the Milky Way remains visible for generations to come. For more tips on how you can help reduce light pollution, check out the International Dark-Sky Association website, and for more information about Norwood’s dark sky community, visit norwoodcolorado.com/visit-norwood/a-dark-sky-community/!
Resources:
International Dark-Sky Association